Campus News

The Truth about Refugees: I was a Stranger…Now I’m a Neighbor discussion will be presented on Monday, May 20 at 6:30 pm in Rockford University’s Fisher Memorial Chapel located at 5050 E. State St. Rockford. The Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University is pleased to host this panel presentation on the policies, experiences, and contributions of refugees coming to the Rockford area.

The discussion will include the process by which refugees get to Illinois, current programs to help them acclimate and settle in the community, the experience in refugee camps, and psychological issues faced on the path to resettlement. Rockford is home to refugees from many parts of the world (Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia primarily) who are making great contributions to our community. The panelist will explain and highlight their paths to becoming our neighbors.

Panelist include: Ngoan Le, Illinois Refugee State Coordinator and Chief of the Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services; Janet Biljeskovic, Program Director for Rockford Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Services; Lionel Nzamba, Refugee from Republic of Congo, Africa, currently working for Lifescape; Damir S. Utržan ’11, Ph.D., LMFT, Treatment Director and Group Supervisor at Minnesota Department of Human Services, Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area; and Tricia D. Wagner, Director of ESL (English as a Second Language) Programs at Rock Valley College.

This program is offered by The Institute of World Affairs and Trade at Rockford University. The event is free and open to the Rockford University campus and Rockford community. Fisher Chapel is accessible.